Sierra Leone Labour Minister inspects mines and power project

Sierra Leone Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has conducted inspections of major industrial sites to ensure compliance with the Employment Act 2023 and protect worker rights.

At Marampa Mines Limited, the Minister met with management and union representatives to discuss an ongoing restructuring process. Marampa Mines CEO Paul Lombard stated that rising international freight rates, fuel costs, and global iron ore market conditions necessitated restructuring to reduce operating costs. The company aims to restart operations as a more sustainable business, with a focus on balancing expatriate and national staff and prioritizing career progression for Sierra Leoneans.

Additionally, Minister Koroma inspected the US$418 million NANT Power Project at Kissy Dockyard in Freetown. The project, which involves the construction of a 108.4-megawatt power plant, employs between 700 and 740 workers daily. According to NANT Power Executive Chairman Karim Nasser, approximately 80 percent of the workforce are Sierra Leoneans, and women comprise nearly 20 percent of the staff. The Ministry assessed employment arrangements, safety standards, and compliance with National Social Security and Insurance Trust requirements.